Articles by Chris Thompson

Part of the PDAC 2026 technical program will examine supply security challenges across critical minerals, uranium, and potash, highlighting their strategic importance to energy, food production, and national security. Sessions will address by-product recovery from existing operations, uranium’s evolving role in the energy transition, and potash’s exposure to trade and geopolitical risks. Industry leaders, analysts, and technical specialists will discuss processing innovations, market fundamentals, and policy considerations shaping future supply. The program reflects how governments and companies are responding to resource constraints, geopolitical pressures, and shifting demand across these strategically significant commodity markets. [more]

The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inducted four industry leaders in 2026 for their long-standing contributions to mineral exploration, mining finance, and industry standards. Honoured at the annual induction ceremony in Toronto, the recipients were David Harquail, Don Lindsay, Catherine McLeod-Seltzer, and Gordon Garfield Morrison; executives, entrepreneurs, and exploration leaders whose work has influenced capital markets, governance frameworks, and major mineral discoveries. The event highlighted careers spanning royalty companies, diversified miners, exploration success, and industry leadership. Collectively, the inductees have helped shape modern mining practices, advanced responsible development, and contributed to the long-term growth and credibility of Canada’s mining sector. [more]

The 2026 Tech IPO Watchlist outlines a growing pipeline of private technology companies preparing to test public markets after several years of limited issuance. With investor focus shifting toward cash flow, disciplined growth, and credible AI-driven business models, the upcoming IPO cycle reflects a more selective environment than prior market peaks. Companies across AI, fintech, enterprise software, and consumer platforms are assessing timing as market conditions stabilize. For investors, the watchlist underscores the importance of valuation discipline, understanding private-market dynamics, and distinguishing between mature brands and businesses with remaining growth potential. [more]

SoftBank has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge in a $4 billion cash transaction, marking a strategic pivot toward AI infrastructure assets. The deal values DigitalBridge at $16.00 per share and reflects premium valuation multiples tied to scarce, power-secured data center capacity. As AI demand accelerates, SoftBank is shifting from software-focused venture investing to owning the physical backbone required to support large-scale computing. The acquisition strengthens SoftBank’s exposure to data centers, fiber, and power-ready land while supporting large AI initiatives such as the Stargate project. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026. [more]

PDAC 2026 Technical Sessions outline how artificial intelligence and advanced geophysics are being applied in mineral exploration. The program includes an AI session covering computer vision, machine learning for structural modeling, and implementation considerations for large language models. Two geophysics sessions focus on integrated exploration case histories and newer methods, including magnetotellurics, inversion workflows, airborne geophysics analytics, and muon tomography. Regional technical sessions add examples from Latin America and brownfield exploration. Across the agenda, presentations emphasize multi-dataset interpretation, risk reduction, and operational constraints. The sessions collectively frame technology adoption as workflow-driven and incremental. This article summarizes sessions and key themes. [more]

We have written a 23-page Update Report on Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (“SBMI” or “the Company”) (TSXV: SBMI | OTC: SBMCF), a Canadian-based precious metals exploration and development company operating in Arizona and Idaho. The company has transitioned from development to commercial production, completing its first concentrate sales in 2025 from the King Tut gold mine and Super Champ silver mine. With three active projects and a fully operational mill in Globe, Arizona, SBMI is advancing toward multi-asset production. We maintained a Speculative Buy rating but increased our one-year price target to $0.40, based on forward cash flow estimates from the company’s three active mining operations. [more]

We have written a 20-page Update Report on DATA Communications Management (DCM) after it released its Q3/2025 financials. DCM reported Q3/2025 revenue of $105.4 million, down 3.1% year-over-year, reflecting softer enterprise spending and Canada Post labour disruptions. Despite revenue pressure, operating discipline supported stable profitability, with Adjusted EBITDA of $12.3 million and a 15% reduction in SG&A expenses. Management highlighted growing traction in AI-enabled platforms, including contentcloud.ai and CCM360, with a solid pipeline into 2026. Net Debt was $80.6 million, with over $40 million in liquidity. We maintain our Buy rating but lower our one-year target price to $4.00 from $6.55. [more]

The advertising industry is undergoing a major transformation as Generative AI reshapes creative processes, campaign execution, and audience targeting. Market dynamics are shifting, with total online ad spend projected to grow significantly and new entrants gaining share against dominant players like Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta. Emerging platforms such as TikTok, Snap, and Spotify are attracting advertiser budgets, while Canadian ad tech firms, including EQ Works, Nextech3D.ai, Adcore, and Zoomd Technologies, are positioned to benefit from the evolving landscape. Agencies face disruption but remain relevant for strategic and brand-focused roles in a hybrid, AI-assisted future. [more]